The East Gate

Authors The Eastgaters

Cast list
Frodo – Baylor
Samwise – Budgielover
Pippin – Marigold
Merry – Llinos
Legolas – Mainframe
Aragorn – Nilramiel
Boromir – Rachel Stonebreaker
Gimli – Q

Story Editor Llinos
Beta Marigold

CHAPTER 16 – Rescue and Reunions

Merry was confused and afraid. Legolas had carried him, at the direction of the other elves, to the top of a high staircase that wound around a great tree. It was unguarded on its steep side, and the terrified hobbit clung more tightly than ever to the elf's tunic and squeezed his eyes shut. But when the ascent finally stopped and Merry felt all movement stilled, he peeped out from Legolas's arms only to be shocked once more, but this time with awe as well as fear.

He felt Legolas make a bow to the strange light and then heard him say something – something about a Lady and a name. But then his ears were greeted with a sound that slowed his rapid heartbeat to a reasonable pace and stilled its terror with a calm soothing lilt. It was as the sound of summer's day laughter when the wind chases the flurries of butterflies across a wheat-filled meadow or when the first autumn leaves patter to the forest floor, carpeting the glades with gold and red riches. A laugh filled with silver Yuletide bells that jingle upon the trotting pony traps, hastily fitted with runners to glide, swishing through the early snowfall, or like the call of the springtime blackbird joyously returning to his old haunts at the start of another sweet year. All these thoughts washed over Merry as if the laughter knew his pain and was soothing his inner being with a cool fresh hand that could cure the hurts of others, if not her own.

She spoke, her voice now sad and filled with concern. "Let me see the perian, he is grievously wounded." She paused. "Legolas I know you have given much to save him, but you must let us take him now. Do not be concerned, I promise you have nothing to fear."

Merry felt, rather than saw, the light move closer to them and then he finally looked up and gazed upon the Lady's face. His jaw dropped open and he gave a small gasp and then a slight whimper as the wound was jolted with his own movement.

She reached out and touched his face, gently, running the back of her fingers down his cheek. "I know you hurt Meriadoc, it will soon be better." Merry sighed a little and relaxed at the touch.

Galadriel beckoned with her eyes to Haldir who stood waiting behind Legolas and his burden. "Come Haldir, take the perian to the healers."

The elf stepped forward and began to lift Merry back into his arms. Merry clung tightly to Legolas, anxious not to be carried back down those terrifying stairs. To have climbed up under his own steam would have been bad enough, for any hobbit, but to be carried up that precipitous staircase was more than alarming and he did not want a repeat performance, especially as the thought of descending the stairs was even more frightening to the injured hobbit. "P-please," Merry managed to say at last, "don't carry me d-down, I c-can walk now."

"No Merry," Haldir managed to unclasp Merry's fingers from Legolas's tunic. "You are not strong enough, you will fall."

"Set him down." Galadriel said gently, "and take him by the hand." She knew that Merry would not be able to walk, but she also felt his terror at the thought of the journey down and would not willingly force that upon him. "They did not understand Meriadoc." She stroked Merry's forehead gently as Haldir lowered him onto his feet. "To an elf the thought of being afraid of heights, especially within a tree, is a strange idea, but I know you fear it greatly."

Merry wobbled predictably and did not keep his balance for more than a couple of fleeting seconds. Haldir did not let him fall though and, holding him by both hands, gently lowered him to the ground at the Lady's feet.

Merry looked up pleadingly at Legolas, he felt quite foolish in front of these majestic and important elves and very small and helpless. But before his friend could react to help him, Rúmil and Orophin had stepped forward, following a wordless command from Galadriel, and supported Merry on both sides so that his feet, although not his weight, rested upon the ground.

"Meriadoc Brandybuck," she said without trace of humour or tease. "Welcome to the Realm of Lothlórien. You are now under the protection of the Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. Please allow us to tend to your hurts, and no…" The Lady lifted up her hand to stay any objections. "…no one will carry you back down the stairs. You will stay up here, in chambers close by – do not fear, it is quite safe."

Merry gulped, trying to compose his thoughts, which the beautiful elven lady seemed to know even before he did. "Th-thank you Milady, I am very grateful. But h-how did you…"

"Do not worry about things that do not matter Meriadoc," Galadriel smiled sadly now, "You have troubles enough in your head." She lifted his chin now and looked directly into the sad blue-grey eyes and suddenly Merry heard her speak directly into his head, or so it seemed, 'Do not fear for your kin any longer, they are safe and will join you soon.'

Galadriel touched Merry's cheek once more with the back of her fingers and he was suddenly overwhelmed with the desire to sleep. His eyelids felt like great weights and he could no longer keep them open and they drooped and closed. As his consciousness faded away Merry felt himself lifted again, but this time he made no objection. Everything felt right and he was no longer afraid, he even felt certain he would soon see Frodo and good old Sam again and hopefully Pippin and that was what mattered most to him.

0-0-0-0-0-0

Standing slightly behind his master, Sam regarded the improvised bridge with apprehension. Practical, he had to admit, looking at the twin set of swaying ropes. It would be very difficult to cross without help from the other side, making Sam wonder how Gandalf had planned it. Did the old wizard have some signal to alert the Lothlórien Elves that the Fellowship had arrived? He would never know, now.

When Gayadur stepped across, Sam's face went white. The Elf did not walk on the lower rope; steadying himself with a hand on the upper – he sprang lightly to the upper rope and walked along it as does a travelling player at a summer fair. Gayadur walked along the rope as confidently as Sam himself would meander up The Hill to Bag End, without hesitation, and without even a glance at the slender, swaying line. On the far side, he leaped gracefully to the ground and was surrounded by his kin. Sam closed his eyes and felt cold, fear-birthed perspiration blossom on his brow.

No wonder these fair Elven Folk had insisted on carrying his pack for him. He'd topple over like a turtle with that weight on his back. He couldn't possibly do this. He'd … he'd go on down the river; it must narrow somewhere where he could pick his way across. Sam peered downstream but saw no narrowing of the waters. He turned around and stared hopefully upstream – perhaps somewhere there was a log across the water? He could walk over on a log. Or get down and inch over it like a caterpillar. Sam's mouth had dropped open to suggest this, when movement at the edge of his vision caught his eye. Distracted, he stilled his tongue and stared into the trees.

Luminescent moon-like orbs shown from the shadows of the forest, small but almost perfectly round and filled with malice. Sam stared straight into them, shocked into silence. Even here, even here that nasty slinker had followed them. If Aragorn and the Elves weren't here, no doubt Gollum would already have been upon them. Even as he stared, the eyes narrowed and a flame of pure hatred sparked in their depths. Then they were gone.

Sam had taken an initial step towards where the eyes had been, his hand on his sword, when Vanaloth's quiet voice halted him. "Master Samwise," came the light, clear voice, "attend us, please." Turning back, Sam saw the Elf also looking into the forest, those clear eyes scanning the shadows. Vanaloth's gaze dropped to Sam and the Elf shook his head almost imperceptibly. "You are in our care, now. Please, Gayadur and I are under instructions to bring your party to our Lady as soon as we may. My people will attend to … nuisances. Do not concern yourself."

"Yes, sir." Sam obediently resumed his place behind Frodo, trusting the Elf, but some of the hope, that had begun to kindle in him, died a little. He eyed the swaying rope-bridge, and swallowed the terror that rose in his throat.

Gayadur had crossed back over the Silverlode, and held a hand out towards the rope bridge in invitation. "Come!" he said. "I shall lead you and Vanaloth shall follow behind. Frodo should come first, then Samwise, then Aragorn. Then you shall enter the Naith of Lórien. Few are permitted even to set foot there, so you may consider yourselves privileged indeed. From there, we shall take you to Caras Galadhon, where dwells Lord Celeborn and the Lady Galadriel."

"Have you received any word, from your companions?" Frodo asked impatiently, nodding towards the Elves across the river, "of the rest of our Fellowship? Have any been found?"

Gayadur hesitated. "I am not certain," he admitted. "The reports are somewhat confused. There is a missing scout party, led by our Marchwarden himself, but no reports of your missing companions. However, I am told that some strangers, along with the missing party, are expected to reach the city before we are. The Lady," Gayadur lowered his voice, "sees much, especially on the borders of her own land. Take heart! You may yet see your friends again."

Frodo nodded. He would not abandon hope, not yet. But he remained keenly aware of how slim that hope was, especially for Merry. And…

"What of those we left behind in Moria? Will anyone be sent to see if they managed to escape?" he asked, a sharp, sudden longing for Pippin's lilting voice filling his heart.

Vanaloth stepped forward and placed a gentle hand on Frodo's elbow. "The scouts are searching for them," he said. "Come, you will learn much more from the Lady and the Lord than from us."

Still Frodo hesitated a moment, until Aragorn spoke. "Do not think you are abandoning them to their fate by crossing into safety, Frodo," he said. "If any can find them, it is the scouts of Lórien. And if any can heal Merry, it is their elven hands. You must remember your burden, and Its cost. We must have safety and respite, even if for a little while."

Frodo nodded, he had not been certain until Aragorn voiced it, why he was reluctant to cross the bridge. Well, other than the obvious. He moved across it cautiously and slowly, breathing a sigh of relief when his feet touched solid ground again. Sam shuffled along, clutching hard, and looking down into the pale eddying water as if it was a chasm in the mountains.

Sam breathed with relief when he was safely across. "'Live and learn!' as my gaffer used to say. Though he was thinking of gardening, not of roosting like a bird, nor of trying to walk like a spider. Not even my Uncle Andy ever did a trick like that!"

Once all were on the east bank, the Elves untied the ropes and coiled two of them. An Elf appeared from behind a tree on the west side, drew back the last one, slung it on his shoulder, and with a wave of his hand went away.

Now the three remaining companions followed Vanaloth along the paths in the wood, while Gayadur walked behind. The ground beneath their feet was smooth and soft.

It was impossible for one's heart not to lift in this place, Sam thought. The trees towered so far above them that he nearly tipped himself over leaning back trying to see the crowns. "Have a care, Master Samwise," Gayadur had murmured with a steadying hand on his back, or he might have. Sam blushed and paid attention to where he was putting his feet.

Tiny golden flowers dotted their path, delicate and lovely, and Sam was entranced. The grass was soft beneath his feet, and the breeze ruffled his hair, smelling of green and living things. Something inside him that had knotted tight ever since… no, even before, Moria loosened a little. They were safe. It was almost too much to understand, or believe.

Safe. Now if they only had good news of Mr Merry and Legolas. Sam hoped that the Elves would send an expedition back to the Mines … just to be sure. He wanted to go back, he realised suddenly, and see with his own eyes. And at the same time, he never wanted to go near that horrible place again, not even hear its name. Tears prickled in his eyes and he dashed them away.

Frodo walked after Vanaloth, soothed nearly into a trance, when suddenly a change of light made him look up and catch his breath.

They were standing in an open space carpeted with lush green grass. Upon it grew two circles of trees: the outer had bark of pure white, and were leafless but beautiful nonetheless; the inner were mallorn trees of great height, covered in pale gold. High amid the branches of a majestic tree that stood in the centre there gleamed a white flet. At the feet of the trees, and all about the green hillsides the grass was studded with small golden flowers shaped like stars. Among them, nodding on slender stalks, were other flowers, white and palest green: they glimmered as a mist amid the rich hue of the grass. Above, sky was blue, and the afternoon sun glowed upon the hill and cast long green shadows beneath the trees.

"Behold! You are come to Cerin Amroth," said Vanaloth. "for this is the heart of the ancient realm as it was long ago, and here is the mound of Amroth, where in happier days his high house was built. Here ever bloom the winter flowers in the unfading grass: the yellow elanor, and the pale niphredil. Here we will stay awhile, and come to the city of the Galadhrim at dusk."

0-0-0-0-0-0

Legolas watched Haldir silently carry Merry, without even a backward glance the Lórien Marchwarden disappeared from view.

Bereaved of the hobbit he had gone through so much for, Legolas felt oddly incomplete and shivered at the loss, all the while he was unaware of his thoughts and feelings slipping past his weakened barriers to be read by the Lady who had remained motionless, awaiting the return of his attention.

When he realised that he had actually turned his back to the royal couple he felt his ears burn with embarrassment at the slight and quickly returned his attention to the ethereal pair, bowing low in deference.

"Forgive me Lady Galadriel, Lord Celeborn, I meant no offence" He breathed as his weakness returned to him now that all distractions were gone.

"There is nothing to forgive," Galadriel held up her hand as if to still a protest, "but there are questions that need to be answered. Nine we know set out from Imladris," She paused as if considering whether to divulge the next piece of information, "My link with Haldir is very strong and I am aware of what took place in Moria." She left the cursed name hanging in the air like some foul poison and he took his hint to continue as he became aware of Celeborn's questioning expression. He briefly wondered why Galadriel wished him to be the bearer of the tragedies that befell their small group but realised that there was precious little Galadriel did without a greater purpose and he did not question her logic.

Though it pained him he forced himself to speak in greater depth than he had spoken to Haldir and his brothers, revealing his anger, desperation and pain as he told of Mithrandir's heroic battle with the Balrog of Morgoth and how he met the same doom as the legendary Glorfindel of the House of the Golden Flower when he too faced such a beast.

"... for needlessly did we walk into Moria." He finished his pain-filled tale, anger burning anew at the fate of one who he, like his father before him, had known since childhood.

"Needless were none of the deeds of Mithrandir," She lightly admonished as she turned briefly to her Lord husband and placed a comforting hand upon his arm. For the first time Legolas saw such raw pain as to rival his own in those blue depths and Celeborn's smooth brow grew lined at this ill news. But then in the blink of an eye his face was washed smooth again, devoid of emotion and carefully blank...too blank. Now he understood why Galadriel had wished him to deliver this news. Mithrandir touched the hearts and lives of many and was obviously a dear friend to the Lord of Lórien.

Once more Galadriel's golden warming smile fell upon him and the young prince felt refreshed by the beauty of this fairest of elves and as he raised his eyes to meet hers, again he felt as if he would lose himself in their depths.

Legolas found all his tension had drained away without him being aware of it. He rose from his obeisance and mused at the image he must present, his usually immaculate appearance was dishevelled. His long golden hair had not been combed for the better part of a week leaving it to hang tangled and limp, braids barely passable for an elfling and he knew there was dried mud caked just above his left ear which he now noted was uncomfortably itchy.

His clothing had fared worse, having many tears where he had been forced to rip the fabric for Merry's bandages. Worse, in the areas that were relatively untouched, a grotesque mixture of hobbit, orc and warg blood had merged and stained, to form a myriad of blotches that rather reminded him of some of the fungus formations he had seen growing in the danker parts of his father's realm.

"Forgive my appearance My Lady," Legolas apologised, although he knew none was necessary, "I fear I have weakened my body to the point where I can no longer maintain my apparel and grooming. I may have…" Legolas broke off as he was unsure what had occurred when he had brought Merry back from the brink of mortal death.

"Prince Legolas you must voice your question before you may enjoy the hospitality Lothlórien has to offer you...you know of what I speak but I would have you ask it of me," Galadriel's voice was again commanding as she held him with her gaze.

Legolas felt himself break out into a cold sweat as the moment he both feared and craved was finally upon him. His voice barely a whisper, he did as he was commanded. "Lady Galadriel, I would be in your debt if you would be able to tell me whether the Valar took the grace that I offered them in exchange for Meriadoc's life? He bowed low once again to punctuate the request and waited patiently for her response, face now as blank as Celeborn's, he felt oddly numb as the Lady continued to consider him.

'So unlike Thranduil, this golden prince. He is neither afraid to appear humble in front of his elders nor does he allow pride to rule his actions.' Galadriel thought as she beckoned him to her and placed her hand lightly across his brow and concentrated on the strength of his fea.

For a fleeting moment she too feared that in aiding the perian Legolas had spent the greater part of his immortality. Yet, as she searched deeper, she found, to her relief, that which she sought. A fragile light pulsed in him to the beat of Legolas' blood and at her gentle coaxing she watched as it grew until it no longer held a translucent quality but was solid, as it should be. She wearily withdrew, her energy spent, encouraging that flame to burn, and eased her hand from his face.

Taking a step back she allowed a thankful smile to curl her lips as she spoke, "Your immortality remains untouched Legolas, but be warned it will be a while before you feel your former strength return in full." She paused as Legolas smiled and his eyes sparkled to this news. "Go now and rest, Rúmil will show you the way."

Legolas bowed once more to the Lord and Lady and with a heartfelt, "thank you," he allowed Rúmil to lead him back down the steps. Before he was completely out of view he turned as he heard Galadriel address Orophin in a tender tone, he nearly fell down the next few steps as he watched Galadriel draw the young Galadhrim to her, inspecting his face and speaking quietly to him before enveloping him in a tender embrace. He watched as Orophin hugged her back and Celeborn moved to cup his head from the back in a display of fatherly affection Legolas had not detected existed while Orophin and Rúmil had stood discreetly in the background throughout their meeting.

At Rúmil's quiet laughter and steadying hand on his arm he turned open-mouthed, surprise and the unspoken question written across his features.

"You are not the only one who faced a great fear and emerged victorious and better for it this day," Rúmil smiled as he spoke, relief softening his eyes as he continued, "Orophin overcame his fear of humans through our journey with you and Merry. Haldir and I have had a great burden lifted from us, you have no idea how this has weighed like a stone around our necks, more so for Haldir than anyone."

"I am pleased for you, all three of you, well do I understand the relief if not the burden, but...if I may be so bold, are your Lord and Lady as free with their affection with all the Galadhrim?"

Rúmil was caught in an embarrassed smile before he managed to answer Legolas' question. "No they most certainly are not," he laughed. "But we three brothers are their fosterlings and, no matter how much time passes for they who were there to see the creation of the Sun and Moon, we will always be their elflings and treat us as such still on occasion.

0-0-0-0-0-0

As Frodo stood, still lost in wonder, a marching host of Elves came up silently: they were hastening towards the northern borders to guard against any attack from Moria; and they brought news, some of which Vanaloth reported. The marauding orcs had been waylaid and almost all destroyed and the remnants had fled westward towards the mountains, and were being pursued. None had yet reported news of the three companions left in Moria, but the scouts of Lórien continued to search as they forced the enemy back under the mountain.

A strange creature also had been seen, running with bent back and with hands near the ground, like a beast and yet not of beast-shape. It had eluded capture, and they had not shot it, not knowing whether it was good or ill, and it had vanished down the Silverlode southward.

"Also," said Vanaloth, "they bring me a message from the Lord and Lady of the Galadhrim. Two strangers are even now being brought to them, to be placed in their care for succour and healing. One, our kin from the north; the other, a perian, sore wounded. They may already be in the Lady's keeping."

Frodo reached blindly out for Sam's hand, blinking furiously and shaking his head as if to clear it. Alive, alive, alive, his heart sang. Merry, alive, and being tended to, and Legolas safe as well. Alive!

"Frodo," Gayadur had placed a hand on his back to steady him, Frodo realised, "please rest. We have some distance yet to travel."

Frodo let out a gust of air he had not been aware of holding in, and it began as something akin to a sob but turned into laughter. "My cousin is alive?" he asked Vanaloth, needing to have it verified.

The Elf smiled kindly at him. "Yes, and being taken to our healers with as much haste as possible, even now," he said.

Frodo laughed again, feeling fatigue and pain lifted almost magically from his body. "Please," he said, giving not a second glance to the wonder of Cerin Amroth, "please, may we continue now?"

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Merry could hear sweet voices singing in the distance. He had not heard music such as this since they had left Rivendell. Perhaps he was back in Rivendell? Oh no, that was not a good thought. It would mean starting all over again. Travelling through the desolate land of Hollin once more and up that snow clad mountain, although perhaps not this time – no straight to Moria. Moria! That's where it had all started to go wrong. Merry remembered now, Gandalf, poor Gandalf, he had fallen. And then the Fellowship had been beset with orcs and… and he had been thrown by a troll and wounded almost to death and Pippin! What had happened to Pippin?

Merry realised it was time to open his eyes, but unfortunately they seemed to be stuck shut, either that or it was very dark. He tried to move his hand up to his face to help his eyes to open, but nothing moved, he seemed to be tied down. Or perhaps his arm was bandaged to his body – yes that felt more likely. He struggled a little, trying to ascertain the exact state of his mobility.

"Be still Meriadoc, you must not writhe so." The voice was like that of Legolas, but not Legolas, "Your arm is bound to your body to keep it still and there are stitches in your wound that you must have a care not to loosen."

"Whhmmmm…" Merry tried to ask what time it was and where he was, but his voice seemed to have deserted him and his mouth felt very dry. A gentle hand slipped beneath him – a large hand, not a hobbit then – it lifted him to sit and then a cup was held to his mouth and he drank a cool delicious liquid, not water nor wine. Neither was it cordial or even mead – but sweet and subtle.

All at once Merry felt his throat lubricate and his eyes gradually begin to open. He saw a delicately featured elven face leaning over him and, as the elf moved back, to his utter delight, there at the end of the great bed that he didn't even fill half of, there were Frodo and Sam.

"Frodo! Sam! You're safe!" Merry felt his breath grow short in his excitement at seeing his cousin and dear old Sam again. He tried to crane his neck a little to see beyond them, but they appeared to be alone. "Where's Pip, too scared to come up the stairs I expect. How soon can I go down to see him?"

To Be Continued

Editor's Note: I apologise for the long delay in updating this story, especially as the remaining chapters were/are virtually finished and just sitting on my computer waiting to be posted.

Chapter 17 will follow hard on the heels of this one. No teasing this time – promise!

Llinos

Q&A

EVIL MANIAC: Yay! Fabulous story! Actually,forgive me if I'm wrong, but are three of your elves called Hedgehog, Mouse and Squirrel in Welsh?
Meriadoc: Aha! Llinos' has been caught red-handed! Using Cymraeg instead of Sindarin, just because she speaks that better. Well done for spotting her mendacity! You'd get a prize if I had one.
EVIL MANIAC: Please update soon (and I'm also waiting for an update of Recaptured)
Meriadoc: Again - I shall kick Llinos for you. (I always enjoy that!)

The Fourth Drunken Pirate: yay, Frodo, Aragorn, and Sam are in Lothlorien! I can't wait to see the happy reuniting chapter!
Meriadoc: Hopefully, all your dreams have come true – I however, must still wait!

pwrhungryir: NO! Don't let Legolas die! That would be awful! If you really want to you can kill someone else- just as long as it isn't him!
Meriadoc: How about the authors for not updating? About time something nasty happened to them!
pwrhungryir: Which by the way makes me wonder if this next part will be angsty or happy- or maybe both? That would be good!
Meriadoc: Well my angst ain't going anywhere for the time being!

Freya: Oh, no! I went the last chapter, was a horrible reader and didn't review, and promptly missed out on a chance to chat with Meriadoc himself. I shall try to remember myself in the future!
Meriadoc: I can hardly believe anyone would want to miss such a chance!
Freya: Please let the kindly ladies that share your journey with us know that the conversation Legolas has with the birch is entirely welcome to those from a shamanic background. It's rare in fanfiction for that to be true, and I doubt they 'got it spot- on' by coincidence:)
Meriadoc: Oh I don't know, Pip talks to the trees all the time. Mind you, they seldom talk back. That part was related by Mainframe, but I don't know what her faith is, Irish I think?

overth3moon: oh, i am in love with this story. Even moreso now with the more focus on legolas, my favorite character of course.
Meriadoc: What on earth do you mean? "of course", I think that careless elf, who managed to lose me twice, is not deserving of your admiration, especially with me to idolise!

Mi Ana I Numen: Awesome story! Merry and all better be alright, or else! Lovely description of Lady Galadriel by the way... keep up the good work and update SOON!
Meriadoc: Thank you. I agree that Merry had better be alright. You keep those 'or elses' coming thick and fast.

Dylan Curtis: I'm gonna cry! Please get better merry! Pretty please! Don't make me beg!
Meriadoc: I don't mind if you beg.

Tatiana: i have only just found this fic so i want to give everyone a hug.
Meriadoc: Thank you for the hugs and the review, they were both delicious.

Aya-Shoru: ooh, good story, please update soon.
Meriadoc: Sorry, we didn't, but we will next time – promise!

Auntiemeesh: I particularly liked Gimli's memory of the night in Imladris when Merry and Pippin overindulged, and his description of their strange manner of recovery the following morning. I wish I could have seen him trying to cover for his impossibly rude spying, lol.
Meriadoc: Oh! Was he spying? I thought he was just checking the door for woodworm. Who was he spying on?

domstygerr: Glad to see Gimli allowing the elves to assist him. Pip, love save some food for later and don't forget to share! Oh the hobbits are going to be reunited soon, thank the Gods for that! I must say, I have waited a while for some good news! Legolas, you never cease to amaze me! I adore you! And Merry, hang on Pippin is near :)
Meriadoc: Well that's all good advice and very reassuring, although I don't suppose any of them are listening.

Reasonably crazy: Things seem to be lightening up... Frodo's troupe, as well as Legolas and Merry are in Lorien, and surely nothing more can happen to Pippin! Right?
Meriadoc: Don't bank on that!

Gemini969: Update soon please it's a great story so far.
Meriadoc: We didn't, but we will and thanks.

lindahoyland: I just love the way you describe magic of Lothlorien and the characters different reactions. I am looking forward to their reunion
Meriadoc: Hope you liked it – well as far as it went.

pipinheart: Very well done piece, had me begging for more. I hope all is reunited soon. Merry and pippin really seem to need each other. I loved frodo's thoughts of grief and him hoping that somehow maybe things will turn out right...
Meriadoc: Sigh! That's Frodo, always looking on the bright side of everything!

Aranna Undomiel: A very very funny part, about the hobbits feasting in Rivendell. I had a huge smile on my face the whole time, it almost split my face..LOL
Meriadoc: Gracious! I hope you managed to sew it back together.

Pip4: I liked the part when Merry and Legolas saw the Golden Wood for the first time.
Meriadoc: Well I'd have had an even better view if Legolas's hair didn't get in the way all the time.

Smalldiver: They're close to being reunited! I can feel it! Maybe next chapter, or the chapter after. After all, nothing much more can go wrong, can it?
Meriadoc: Don't count your hobbits before they're all rescued!
Smalldiver: (Perhaps I'm just feeling a bit too reassured that there are no evil elves, just cool ones)
Meriadoc: …and Welsh ones apparently, with silly animal names – sigh!

Mae Ari: I hope we'll see everyone reunited soon. I hope Legolas will come to terms of becoming "mortal", although I suppose it must be quite a turn for an elf.
Meriadoc: I wouldn't worry too much about Leggy, he'll pull through.
Mae Ari: Hobbits have all the luck, don't they? They might get sick, but for never very long. sigh
Meriadoc: Luck? No luck involved – just pure skill and an iron constitution.